The Top of the Pile: Extremity #6

What it is: END OF STORY ARC The Roto and Paznina clans meet on the battlefield to ensure that only one remains when all the blood is shed.

Why we love it: This has been the surprise book of the year for me. An unflinching look at the brutality of war and the collateral damage that it leaves in its wake. Amazing art and a story that plumbs the dark depths of human nature to find truth and compassion.

The Mainstream One: Batman #28

Publisher: DCWords: Tom KingArt: Mikel Janin

What it is: ‘THE WAR OF JOKES AND RIDDLES’ part four! War is hell. Unless it’s in Gotham City, where it’s so much worse. The clash between The Joker and the Riddler continues to escalate, with the rest of the city’s villains picking sides and joining in. In the midst of the battle, Batman must try to save whoever he can while knowing he will forever be haunted by those he can’t.

Why we like it: Fans seem to be pretty divided on Tom King’s run on Batman. Some people find it lacking. While I will concede that the first arc was underwhelming, everything after the Monster Men crossover has been excellent. I am enjoying the heck out of the War of Jokes and Riddles and can’t wait to see what happens this week.

The Indie One: Elsewhere #1

Publisher: ImageWords: Jay FaerberArt: Sumeyye Kesgin

What it is: COPPERHEAD WRITER JAY FAERBER TEAMS WITH RISING STAR SUMEYYE KESGIN TO UNVEIL ELSEWHERE: THE FANTASTIC STORY OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO AMELIA EARHART! Mysteriously transported to a strange new world filled with flying beasts and alien civilizations, Amelia desperately struggles to return home. Along the way, she forges alliances and makes enemies as she goes from aviator to freedom fighter in a rebellion against a merciless warlord! ‘Get lost in this other world and you’ll be in the best company.’ – KIERON GILLEN (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE)

Why we like it: Jay Faerber wrote the gritty space Western, Copperhead, which was one of my favorite reads before the series was derailed by delays. He’s back with a new fantasy series that like Copperhead promises exciting new worlds to explore with a strong, female lead.

The #1 One: Generations The Strongest (Mattina 2nd print)

Publisher: MarvelWords: Greg PakArt: Matteo Buffagni

What it is: BRUCE BANNER. AMADEUS CHO. Both have carried the curse of the Hulk. Now they come face-to-face at last – but will they meet as friends or foes? Fan-favorite Hulk scribe GREG PAK is joined by red-hot artist MATTEO BUFFAGNI (X-MEN BLUE) for a time-bending tale that will finally answer the question on everyone’s minds: WHO IS THE STRONGEST ONE THERE IS? Rated T+

Why we like it: Generations will be a series of one-shots, bringing together past and present iterations of heroes that will lay the foundation for Marvel’s next phase in its comics universe, Marvel Legacy. It all kicks off with the first Generations book uniting Bruce Banner and Amadeus Cho, closing the gap between modern and legacy Hulks. While I’m looking forward to seeing how they pull this off (isn’t Banner still technically dead?), I might hold out a week for the Mattina second print variant.

The One I’m Buying for the Cover: Robotech #1

What it is: Harmony Gold’s cult ’80s television series Robotech returns or all-new adventures! Comic written by Brian Wood (DMZ, Briggs Land, Northlanders) and illustrated by Marco turini! TV episodes now available on Crackle, Amazon Prime & Netflix! Live-action film being developed by Sony Pictures! Comic features classic characters Rick, Lisa, Minmei, Roy, Claudia, and Gloval! New comic series will delight original fans and newcomers alike! With annual conventions, over 200,000 fans on Facebook, New toys and merchandise, Robotech fans are passionate supporters of this amazing cult franchise!

Why we like it: Robotech was a bit before my time, so this isn’t tickling any nostalgia, but this series has enough going for it to warrant my attention. The Robotech relaunch has an extremely capable writer in Brian Wood and a regular cover by fan favorite Artgerm which makes this #1 selling out a certainty.